U.S. House sends nanotechnology bill to Bush for expected signature

Nov. 20, 2003 — The U.S. House of Representatives today approved nanotechnology legislation passed by the Senate on Tuesday, and the bill now heads to the president for his expected signature.

The House passed a version of the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act (PDF, 56.1 KB) that was negotiated during the past two months with the Senate. The House bill was a compromise of legislation introduced in each chamber during the past year.

The final language gives nanotech a permanent home in the federal government, and authorizes nearly $3.7 billion for research and development programs coordinated among several federal agencies. The legislation also authorizes public hearings and expert advisory panels, as well as the American Nanotechnology Preparedness Center to study the emerging technology’s potential societal and ethical effects.

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“The idea is simple, yet powerful: The American economy will grow bigger if America’s science and engineering focus on things that are smaller,” said Rep. Sherwood Boehlert, R-N.Y., the bill’s sponsor and chairman of the Science Committee. “The U.S. is a leader in nanotech. … We must remain in the front.”

Rep. Ralph Hall, D-Texas, the Science Committee’s ranking member, said he is pleased that the final bill integrates the study of societal and ethical issues with research and development efforts. Both areas should be explored, not ignored, he said.

“It’s important for the successful development of nanotech that problems be addressed from the beginning in a straightforward and open way,” he said.

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